Russian Super League - Find out more about the changes that took place within last season's top four clubs in the Super League. Some such as Avangard Omsk and Metallurg Magnitogorsk have strived to stay on the same trek. Others, such as the league's favorite Ak Bars Kazan that is known for the high flying Morozov - Zinovjev - Zaripov line, coped with some significant changes. Finally CSKA has significantly strengthened the roster despite losing a couple of talented players. READ MORE

Russian Super League - Reports have surfaced in Russia that Grigori Shafigullin (Nashville Predators) may be on his way to the Nashville Predators. The young forward has for the first time left his Russian team Lokomotiv and signed a new deal with HC Ak Bars. However, it appear that his deal with the Kazan club includes an NHL clause and he would be able to move over to North America if an strong opportunity arose to do so.

Russian Super League - Nikolai Lemtyugov(St. Louis Blues) led surging HC Severstal to an impressive victory over the top HC Ak Bars, scoring two goals for his club. Alexey Cherepanov(2006 NHL Entry Draft) struck again for his 12th tally of the season despite his line with Kuryanov and Popov being broken up, though he was reunited with Popov. Grigori Shafigullin(Nashville Predators) delivered a strong performance for HC Lokomotiv, playing a physical and productive game, scoring a goal and assisting on the other. READ MORE

Grigori Shafigullin (Nashville Predators)is currently in Russian Super League’s Metallurg Novokuznetsk’s training camp. He is attending the camp without a contract on a tryout basis, and may not remain with the club deep into the summer. The young forward has spent the past season with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, where he has been limited to primarily fourth line defensive duties. An '85 born player, the young forward was also consistently a part of Russia's primarily '84 born U20 squad.

Artem Kriukov (Buffalo Sabres) looked strong in a friendly game for Lokomotiv a week ago. Apparently, he did not only impress us, but also made an impact on Lokomotiv’s coaching staff, who have recalled the young forward from Lokomotiv’s junior farm team, Lokomotiv 2. Kriukov skated the entire game on Lokomotiv’s fourth line, which was centered by Grigori Shafigullin (Nashville Predators).

Lokomotiv Yaroslavl and Metallurg Magnitogorsk played to a 1:1 tie on Saturday evening. However the interesting thing about this game was not the final score, but who scored the goals on these two wealthy and veteran filled clubs. 19 year old Nashville Predators prospect Grigori Shafigullin opened the scoring on a beautiful breakaway early in the first period, after beating a Metallurg’s defenseman. The fans had to wait until the end of the first period, when Lokomotiv’s goalie could not handle the puck, leaving it on the goal line, and 21 year old Ottawa Senators prospect Alexei Kaigorodov swooped in and poked it into the wide open net. Both goals were third for each player. While Kaigorodov’s season has not been going on par with expectations, Shafigullin’s has surpassed them with the increased ice time and responsibility on the Super League club, as well as U20 national team duty. Still, despite a lack in production, Kaigorodov continues to plays solid, defensively responsible hockey on Metallurg’s third line.

Size & Physical Play: Grigori Shafigulin is a tall player, but he is not very strong, standing at 6’3, but weighing only around 175-180 pounds. This disadvantage shows on the ice, though Grigori has started to become a bit more aggressive and physical in his play. He is very tough to knock down and fights hard against the boards. Skating: Shafigullin needs to improve his skating. He has decent acceleration, and an average top speed. He is surprisingly maneuverable on his skates for his 6’3 frame, but still needs to work on stability and technique. Shot: Grigori has a solid, above average shot that is both strong and precise. However, he needs to use it more, as he tends to hand the puck off, rather then shooting it himself. Pass: Shafigullin needs to imrpvoe his hockey sense in the offensive zone. He plays center, but doesn’t often develop good scoring chances for his linemates. It’s not for the lack of trying, and he will improve with additional experience. Technical Skills: Shafigullin has very good hands and is a good puckhandler. He can also stick handle the puck, using his fairly soft hands and long reach. Defense: Shafigullin is a defensive expert, used extensively by the national team and his Super League club in the defensive role. He competes hard and plays well along the boards. The young forward also has a long reach and uses his stickhandling ability to intercept passes and poke the puck away from opponents. Mental Game: Shafigullin is a very competitive individual and plays very responsible hockey. He is aggressive and always gives it 100+ percent. Overall: Grigori is a talented two way center with good hands, size and significant defensive upside. In order to become a more complete package, he needs to bulk up his frame, work on his skating and improve his offensive play, as he seems to contribute little at the opposite end of the ice.

Back In Russia:

Grigori was born in Chelyabinsk, Russia and was raised in the Traktor Chelyabinsk system. After the 2000-01 season he moved to Yaroslavl and joined Lokomotiv’s farm system. During the 2001-02 season he joined Lokomotiv’s junior affiliate, Lokomotiv 2. While he spent most of the season with Lokomotiv’s ’85 team, out of the ’85 players who played for Lokomotiv 2, he was one of the fastest to adjust to the higher level of competition. During the 2002-03 season Grigori has consistently played for Lokomotiv 2 and has also debuted on Lokomotiv’s main lineup

NHL Outlook:

The Nashville Predators selected Grigori Shafigullin 98th overall in the 3rd round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Shafigullin's recurring wrist injury at the end of the 2002-03 season reduced his stock a bit, and dropped the young forward to the third round. Fully healed, he will compete for a spot on the strong Lokomotiv Yaroslavl squad in the Super League and will likely make the cut due to his defensive play. He will need to improve his offensive production to earn more ice time.